July 2015

Gò0dNews July 2015

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About Us

Writers

Pastor Mike Shreve Alicia Klepper Andrew Lee Beth Henderson Beth Houle Dave Carringer David Gray Deana Thompson Don Smith Esmerelda Lee John Garrod John Kie Vining Julius McCarter Kaneeshia Young Kelly Hixson Kelly McDonald Kristy Snider LaQuita Propes Luke Sanford Nick Poole William Lamb Zackery Gates

Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have three beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, and Andrew. We live in Cleveland and love what this town has to offer!

We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

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Letter From The Editor

I

Love Covers My Walk

by Wanda Griffith have a framed picture in my office, given to me by a friend, that has three different shoes on it—a dressy high-heeled shoe, a fancy boot, and a walking shoe. The caption reads: “I can deal with anything if I have the right shoes.”

This is one of many shoe “things”—scarves, hats, pins, blouses, dresses, umbrellas, purses, and many miniature collectible shoes—given to me since my book, Sand in My Shoes, was published years ago. However, this particular picture is meaningful—especially in times of disappointments.

In his book, The Windshield Is Bigger Than the Rearview Mirror, Jeff Wickwire describes the pain of dealing with disappointment: “There are some needles only God can thread on our life tapestries.” We try so hard to figure out the whys, but each time we come up with more hurt and questions. Only when we practice forgiveness do we discover a fresh ability to focus on the future. Wickwire adds: “The scene out of the rearview mirror is replaced with an expanded view through the windshield of hope and faith.”

I know it takes more than the right kind of shoes to deal with whatever life throws in our paths, but God’s decree will overshadow any disappointment, any failure, wrong decision, or misstep I might take. I’m confident that with God’s Word (and maybe some comfortable shoes), I can deal with anything because when God’s Spirit covers my feet, love covers my walk!

Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

Contents 12

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6

“Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So!”

by Pastor Mike Shreve

GoodNews for Kids

8

Calming the Storms of Life

by Nick Poole

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Reconsidering Risk

by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 Let the Adventure Begin!

by David Gray

GoodNews for Women

14 Feeling Guilty

by Beth Houle

GoodNews for Parents

20 It Takes a Church to Raise a Child

by Alicia Klepper GoodNews for Life

22 Beautiful Music

by Beth Henderson

28

GoodNews for Health & Fitness

24 Swimming

by Kristy Snider

GoodNews for Teens

46

GoodNews for Everyone

40 Faith through Fire,

Faith through Belief

by Luke Sanford

26 Satisfying the ‘Hunger

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

by John Kie Vining

by Deana Thompson

Games’ of the Youth Culture

GoodNews Cover Story 28 Lasaters Coffee

by Zackery Gates GoodNews for Everyone

30 Prayer Is Hallowing

by Julius McCarter

GoodNews for Couples

32 Cherishing Her

by John Garrod

GoodNews for Seniors

34 Precious Memories . . .

How They Linger

by Esmerelda Lee

GoodNews for Everyone

36 A Pillow, a Blanket, and a $5 Bill

by Kelly Hixson

GoodNews for Everyone

38 A Wise and Master Builder

by Dave Carringer

42 Fruit Crisp

GoodNews for Everyone

44 Be Yourself

by Kelly McDonald

GoodNews for Everyone

46 Two Kinds of Faith …

Big FAITH and Little FAITH!

by Don Smith

GoodNews for Everyone

50 Trusting God in the Fog

by LaQuita Propes

GoodNews for Service

52 Spring Cleaning and Summer Clutter

by William Lamb

GoodNews for Everyone

54 God Turned Ashes to Beauty

by Kaneeshia Young

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

“Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So!”

by Mike Shreve

E

very July we honor the rich legacy of freedom we

Torah (the first five books of the Bible) contained 613

have received from America’s founding fathers,

commandments requiring absolute adherence. If not,

recognizing the great sacrifice it took to obtain

God pledged: “Cursed is the one who does not confirm

such a national treasure. In a parallel way, we should also enshrine the far greater spiritual freedom we have

all the words of this law” (Dt. 27:26 NKJV).

Therefore, if a person broke just one commandment,

inherited through the Lord Jesus. Both nationally and

he was subjected to “the curse of the law” (resulting

spiritually, we have been redeemed (set free from

in a myriad of problems). So all the people of the Old

bondage by a purchase price). It is imperative that we

Covenant were under a “yoke of bondage,” because no

understand this biblical concept in order to appreciate

one could live a perfect life (Gal. 5:1). However, like the

both levels of liberty we possess.

dawning of a new day, the New Covenant arose with

At the onset, Adam lost his oneness with the Creator and passed on the bondage of a fallen nature to all his offspring yet to be born into this world: slaves to sin,

the promise: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (Gal. 3:13).

What a miracle! Jesus loosed us away from all the

under the domination of evil spirits, and consigned

failures of our past and a religious approach primarily

to both spiritual and natural death. God’s plan of

dependent on human performance. He redeemed us by

redemption, though set in place before the world began,

His blood from every curse including sickness, poverty,

was destined to unfold gradually through the centuries.

emotional distress, and mental collapse (see 1 Pt. 1:18-

We find this idea surfacing first in Jacob’s prayer over

19). Even if death stalks us, we can confidently echo, “I

his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh: “The Angel who

know my redeemer lives!” (Job 19:25). We have been

has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads . . .” (Gen.

“sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise”—“unto the day

48:16).

of redemption” (the day of resurrection—Eph. 1:13; 4:30

Jacob was referring to “the Angel of the Lord” (a title assigned to manifestations of the pre-incarnate Christ especially during the Old Testament era). In this

KJV). Until that grand event, we are “eagerly waiting for . . . the redemption of our body” (Ro. 8:23).

So let us daily celebrate by faith-filled confessions

verse, a foundational precedent is set—that God intends

the glorious freedom Jesus bought for us through His

to redeem His people, not just from most, but from all

death and resurrection. Yes, “let the redeemed of the

the evil we encounter in this world.

Lord say so” (Ps. 107:2).

Many centuries later when the law was revealed to Israel, it offered both blessings for the obedient and curses for the disobedient (see Dt. 28:1-68). The

6 // July 2015

Mike Shreve and his wife Elizabeth pastor The Sanctuary in Cleveland, Tennessee. They also run a Christian publishing company called Deeper Revelation Books. Their church celebrates the Old Testament feasts from a New Covenant perspective. www.shreveministries.org

Gò0dNews for Kids

Calming the Storms of Life

by Nick Poole

P

arents and children, let’s go on an adventure

climbed in. Suddenly, the boat begins to rock gently,

and explore God’s Word a little differently

and you feel sleepy. Your eyelids slowly close, and you

than before by using our imagination to see a

rest your head not far from Jesus.

world long since passed.

Close your eyes. You are no longer in your home but

Crash! Flashes of light pierce your eyelids, and the boat is no longer gently swaying with the waves! It is a

on a beach. A warm breeze crosses your face, flipping

huge storm! The wind is howling, thunder is clashing,

your hair around. Clouds are high in the sky; the sun is

and the waves are battering the sides of the boat. You

shining on you, and sand and water are between your

are afraid—unsure of what is going to happen—but you

toes. It feels good. Just in front of you is Jesus Christ, the

are sure of this: the twelve men are even more afraid

Messiah. A friendly smile comes across His face as your

than you. As you are being shaken by the boat’s battle

eyes meet. You wonder, Where is He going?

with the waves, Jesus rolls over, looks you in the eye,

Quickly, without thinking, you run to Jesus!

and calmly smiles just as He did before. Then He stands,

Kindness and love are in His eyes. It’s as if Jesus has

crosses the deck to the front of the boat, and shouts to

known you your entire life! Wait a second . . . Jesus is

the raging waters: “Silence! Be still!” Immediately, the

getting into a boat to cross the lake! No! You want to

storms stopped. All is calm again.

see Him, talk to Him, and be with Him! He can’t leave

What an adventure to be on the boat with Jesus

so soon! Your heart beats quickly, and there’s no time

and His disciples when the storm hit, and hearing Jesus

to think! Just as the boat pushes off, you run and jump

command the storm to stop. This is a great reminder

over the small waves and grab the edge of the boat,

that Jesus Christ wants to be with us on the journey

only to look back to see a shrinking shore. The waves

of our life. Regardless of what you are going through,

are getting bigger, and the boat is rocking more. You’d

Jesus Christ wants to be with you in your troubles. He

better climb in with the rest of the men and Jesus!

desires to take care of you, and He wants a relationship

You finish climbing into the boat, a little wet from the waves. The twelve men do not even notice you,

with you. Make sure Jesus is on your lifeboat when the storms of life arise.

and Jesus has fallen asleep on the floor near where you

8 // July 2015

Nick Poole is the children's pastor at The Church at Grace Point in Cleveland. He has a bachelor’s degree in youth ministry, and is currently working toward his masters in youth and family ministry at Lee University.

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Gò0dNews on Money Matters

I

Reconsidering Risk

by Andrew Lee

n my last column, I mentioned how excessive financial risk-taking can lead (and has led) to financial disasters for many foolish and speculative investors.

In short, taking on too much risk by trying to be greedy and “hit a home run” with our personal investments can often lead to deep financial losses. But this month I’d like to take a moment to explore the other side of risk— namely, the risk of doing nothing by trying to be too conservative and safe with our personal investing.

The old cliché for risk-free investing used to be hiding one’s money in one’s mattress or burying it in mason jars or coffee cans in the backyard. Surely there’s no risk at all by doing this, right? After all, the money is there, literally, no matter what the stock market or the housing market might be doing. My money is safe and sound and within an arm’s reach, this thinking goes.

What could be safer? However, as many people are now aware, the very real risk of inflation rears its ugly head in this scenario, and the $1,000 hidden in the mattress or in the mason jar is worth only $500 (or less) when it is pulled out a few decades later. The buying power of that $1,000 has dwindled significantly, so there was, in fact, a great risk involved in this supposedly airtight and safe savings strategy.

With today’s interest rates on CD’s (certificates of deposit at a bank) and bank savings accounts at historic lows, even keeping our money in a bank account these days is little better than putting it in a mattress or mason jar in terms of earning interest. For instance, $1,000 in a savings account paying a typical rate today of .20 percent would earn a whopping $2 in interest per year.

10 // July 2015

(Of course, your money in the bank would be insured by the FDIC, and I highly recommend a bank account over a mason jar in the backyard).

So what are the alternatives for investors who don’t want to take on too much risk? The question, as illustrated above, is paradoxical. In other words, it’s very risky to try to avoid any risk, due to inflation stealing away the buying power of our money over time. What about bonds, which many people believe are the next safest investments after bank certificate of deposits and savings accounts? A bond, for those who don’t know, is simply an I.O.U. Someone lends money to a company or government, and that company or government agency gives that investor a bond (piece of paper) agreeing to pay back the money to the investor, with interest, over a certain period of time. But again, with interest rates at historic lows, there’s nowhere for interest rates to go at this point except up. And when that happens, the price of many bonds that are being sold today are going to plunge in value because most investors will want to buy newer bonds that pay higher interest rates. In other words, if you try to sell your bonds, you could actually lose money on the investment in this scenario. So, what to do?

As many financial advisors are recommending today, most investors—even those who are retired— should be at least partly invested in the stock market in order to beat inflation and preserve the buying power of their money over the years. It turns out that trying to avoid all risk might just be the riskiest decision of all.

Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.

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Gò0dNews for Men

Let the Adventure Begin!

by David Gray

"I

am not satisfied. I just want something

having a “God Adventure.” I can just about guarantee

more." This is a sentiment I hear repeatedly,

that if you commit to listening to God’s voice and allow

from church people. There seems to be a

Him to challenge you, He will start your adventure

lackadaisicalness, or a boredom, maybe even a slumber,

today. He will indeed ask you to move—move out of

that has swept over much of the church. If this sounds

your comfort zone.

like you, I want you to know that the Scriptures encourage us to be content. However, there appears to be a paradoxical attitude hinted at in the scripture. The apostle Paul shared that he had learned to be content in whatever situation he found himself in (Phil. 4:11). He also declared that he was

• He may nudge you to buy someone's groceries.

• He may prompt you to mow your neighbor’s lawn or rake his leaves.

• He may insist that you forgive someone.

• He may challenge you to share the good news of Christ with someone you’ve just met.

“pressing toward the mark for the

When you live in that zone, life gets exciting.

prize of the high calling of God in

When you are open to the next adventure, you are

Christ Jesus" (3:14). It seems he was content, but not satisfied.

In his well-known book Wild at Heart, John Eldredge says that “deep in his heart, every man

suddenly not dependent on a church service to pump you up. I think the Christian life is meant to be exciting. Not “Six Flags” exciting, which is short lived, but anticipation exciting. What next,

longs for a battle to fight, an

God? Who next, God? Where next,

adventure to live, and a beauty

God? I can't wait! Let's go!

to rescue.” He later explains that these are “deeply spiritual longings written into the soul of [every] man.”

If Eldredge is even close to being

Men, I don't think God ever wants us to "settle." God is not satisfied with us just showing up to church. And we shouldn't be either. We

correct, then this sense of boredom can

should press to pursue God's daily calling

be especially detrimental for men in

on our lives. We should be challenged to

particular.

be a better spouse, parent, or child. We

You see, there is something more.

should strive to be a better employee,

I think God wants us to live a little

a better boss, a better coworker. It’s an

dangerously. Not recklessly, mind you.

adventure! Yet, we should be content in

And there is a significant difference

our trust of a sovereign God who guides

between the two. You don’t have to sell

us along the way.

all your belongings, pack your bags, and

So I say, “Let the adventure begin!”

move halfway around the world to start

12 // July 2015

David Gray is the store manager at Habitat Restore on Grove Ave. He and his wife Kendra have four children and two grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Feeling Guilty

“It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy”(Rom. 9:16 NIV).

by Beth Houle

I

feel guilty a lot. I look at my children, ages six, three,

I said a quick prayer for help and direction and

and one, and I am overjoyed and so thankful that I

shamefully sat in silence thinking about my unfulfilled

am their mother. I am overwhelmed that God chose

spiritual “to-do” list. In that moment, I reflected over

to bless us with three amazing, healthy children who are

the past few years when I realized that my relationship

full of joy and energy! But even through my joy, I hear

with God had actually grown significantly, despite my

this nagging voice that reminds me of all the things that

unfulfilled spiritual gains. I had changed. God had used

have fallen to the side, of all the tasks that just don’t get

my children to teach me grace and vulnerability; my

done. I think about the sink full of dishes, the laundry

clients had taught me compassion and how to listen;

that needs folding, the crumbs on the floor, the baths

my husband had shown me unconditional love and

that just didn’t happen that night. I think about the time

unyielding faith. Sometimes the shaping He did in

I didn’t get to spend with my friends, my husband, or

me was gentle, slow, and quiet, and I didn’t recognize

work that still waits to be done. I think about the last

His hand at work. Other times there were difficult

time that I really had “quiet time” and spent time really

experiences and lessons, such as nearly losing our baby

studying the Bible, and the last time I participated in a

girl, that were clear indications of His work in me and

Bible study or witnessed to someone. I seem to have a

love for me.

rolling “to-do” list in my head that remains unchecked.

I think many of us struggle with wondering if we

Recently, I was asked to speak in front of a large

are enough for God. If I pray more or read my Bible

group of people and describe an experience I had while

more, He will somehow love me more. It’s as if we

completing my master’s degree over the last few years. I sat down to write a speech and felt so

believe that we control God’s “love meter” for us. The truth is that God loves us and accepts us, despite our shortcomings. His love is always at 100 percent

inadequate. How could I speak

and doesn’t increase or decrease based on our

to this group of people when

complete or incomplete spiritual checklists. We

so many things, particularly

cannot make God love us anymore. God gives us

my spiritual life, had

permission to let go of the guilt and grab on to

seemingly taken a backseat

the grace and love that is so freely given, with

to pregnancies, nursing,

no cost to us.

toddlers, and graduate school?

14 // July 2015

Beth Houle, MS MFTI is a marriage and family therapist intern in Cleveland, TN. She focuses her work in treating couples, families, and individuals with relational issues or difficulties through her private practice, Healing Bonds (423-716-6039).

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Cleveland Church Directory Assembly of God

Grace Assembly 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-7729 Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Bellefounte Baptist Church Pastor Lake Walker 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle Pastor Johnny Townsend 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932F Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 423-479-3731 candiescreekchurch.com Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 167 Monza Ln NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church Pastor Wally Varnell 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 or clevelandcowboychurch.com Cloverleaf Baptist Church Pastor Michael Coleman 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312(423) 472-3511 or www.clinganridgebaptist.com Church At Grace Point Pastor Phil Griffin 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 or grace-point.com Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653 Dalton Pike Baptist Church

16 // July 2015

3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Farmland Community Church Location: YMCA 10:00am Fairview Baptist Church 5545 Runway Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5353 First Baptist Church Co-Pastor Allan Lockerman, Co-Pastor-Jim Gibson 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423)709-9100 or clevelandfbc.com Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland Tn 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 The Journey Church 1668 S Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-4100 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 North Cleveland Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jay Mccluskey

2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 or northclevelandbaptist.org Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church Rev. Shane Lawson 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 or www.parkwaybaptist.info Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church Pastor Brent Coley 138 Osment Rd Se, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 or www.sbcministries.com Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church Pastor David Tuten 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 or vvbaptist.org Washington Avenue Baptist Church

1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church Pastor Allan Lovelace 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 or watervillebaptistchurch.org West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927 Westwood Baptist Church Pastor Steve Smartt 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 or www.westwoodlife.org White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359

Catholic

St Therese Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8123

Charismatic

Cleveland Christian Fellowship Pastor Mark Strickland 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642 or ccfchurch.us

Church of God

Cornerstone Church of God Pastor Rick and Lori Sentell 2823 Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423)479-3895 Destiny Community Fellowship COG 2611 Blue Springs Road SE Cleveland, TN 37311 East Cleveland Church of God Pastor John A. Lombard Jr. 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise COG Pastor Selma Hall 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 or fellowshipofpraisecog.org Grace Community Church of God Pastor Kevin Mendel 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

(423) 614-0708 or www.gracecleveland.org Heritage Fellowship COG Pastor Steve Gilbert 4635 S Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center

Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 or www.iwcchurch.com Lakeview Church of God Pastor Dustin Wilds 105 Pound Street S.E. Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 or lakeviewcog.org North Cleveland COG Pastor Mitch Maloney 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 or nccog.org Michigan Avenue COG Rev. David B. Boles 515 Minnis Road N.E (423) 584-3663 Mt Olive COG 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381 Mt View COG 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-6925 South Cleveland COG Pastor Chris Moody 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 or southcleveland.org Westmore COG Pastor Kelvin Page 2412 Wolfe Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 559-9646 or www.westmorecog.org Zion Assembly COG Pastor Todd Mcdonald 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337 or zionassemblychurchofgod.com/

Church of God of Prophecy

Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)473-7199 Durkee Road COGOP 201Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN37312 (423) 472-4384 Keith Street Ministries COGOP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448 Peerless Road COGOP 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423)303-2680 Spring Place COGOP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN37311 (423)476-6414 Wildwood COGOP Bishop Winston Reid 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)479-6584

Episcopal Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church

320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

Lutheran

First Lutheran Church 195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6811

Methodist

Big Spring United Methodist 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5242 Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908 Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586 First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504 S. Cleveland United Methodist 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 507-5760 Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457 Riverstone Church 85 Central Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-5956 Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900 Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575 Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4200 Pryor Rd N.E. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-503-6394

Pentecostal

Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281 First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436 Full Gospel House of Prayer Pastor Michael Ferree 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN Set Free Christian Fellowship 1175 King Edwards Ave. Cleveland, TN

Nazarene

Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene Pastor BJ Miller 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312-5225 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene Pastor Scot Carraway 2018 Washington Ave Cleveland, TN 37364 (423)479-7343

Non-Denominational

Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries Cleveland, TN 37353 (423) 559-1371 Cleveland Community Chapel Pastor Tazz Reid 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, Tn. 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Cornerstone Family Church 4997 N. Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 380-9160 cfctn.net Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472 2178 Dwelling Place Church Pastors Jamie and Judy Jacobs Tuttle 523 Urbane Rd. NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200 www.iwilldwell.com Evening Light Gospel Dr. Donald E. Smith, Jr. 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship Pastors, Doug & Patsy Bell 197 Neely Circle NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Phone (423) 790-7533 www.godsfamilyfellowship.net Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 Living Word Church Pastor Evan Cockerham 930 25th Street, NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 or thelovingchurch.com Norvel Hayes Ministries 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 The Simple Gospel

850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-650-9572 www.pointing2jesus.com Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-994-8553 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, Tn. 37312 (423) 479-2705 The Sanctuary Pastors Mike & Elizabeth Shreve 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423)478-2843 / shreveministries.org United Christian Church Pastors Charles and Margie Poteat 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries Pastor Aubrey Ector 2419 Georgetown RD NW 37312 423-473-9338 Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Presbyterian

Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004 First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751 First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584 Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church Rev. Kevin Wilson 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 423-284-6397 or Facebook Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd., NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181 St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1780 Stuart Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist

Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889 Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312 East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299.

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 17

Athens Church Directory

Assembly of God

Abundant Blessing 2613 Cardinal St Athens, TN 37303 423-435-5867

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church 218 Canal St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3332 Central Baptist 13 Nash Dr. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0400 Clearwater Baptist 964 County Rd. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7147 Covenant Baptist 241 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-263-1569 East Athens Baptist 301 Central Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1394 Fairview Baptist 251 County Rd. 128 Athens, TN 37303 423-649-0346 First Baptist 305 Ingleside Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5441 First Bible Baptist 1819 Old Niota Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0765 Freedom Baptist 2207 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0193 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Idelwild Baptist 118 county rd Athens, TN 37303 423-746-0002 Lakeview Baptist 182 County rd. 126 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0451 Mount Pleasant Baptist 414 Chester St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-6510 Mount Verd Baptist 251 County Rd 249 Athens, TN 37303 423-507-1286 New Hopewell Baptist 197 County Rd Athens, TN 37303

18 // July 2015

423-744-0940 New Zion Baptist 393 County Rd 616 Athens, TN 37303 423-263-9841 North Athens Baptist 402 Tellico Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3813 Oak Grove Baptist 1212 County Rd. 100 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9986 Parkway Baptist 1701 Velma Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9709 Rocky Mount Baptist 1002 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8758 Rogers Creek Baptist 510 County Rd 180 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0295 Short Creek Baptist 892 County Rd. 50 Athens, TN 37303 423-336-5089 South Liberty Baptist 505 County Rd 655 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5124 Union Hill Baptist 258 County Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1241 Unity Baptist 162 County Rd 750 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-0420 Valley View Baptist 323 County Rd 370 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5159 West End Baptist 803 Clark St. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-8274 West View Baptist 2707 Highway 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2193

Catholic

St. Mary Catholic Church 1291 E. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-4277

Christian

Athens Christian Church 802 S Matlock Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-5791

Church of God

Aoh Church Of God 501 Ohio St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1279 First Church of God 200 Fisher St. Athens, TN 37303 423-887-5855 Woodward Church of God 507 Woodward Ave Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1618

Community

Christ Community Church 14 Congress PRKY S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8185

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) 508 Cedar Springs Rd Athens, TN 373 423-745-0102

Nazarene

Athens Church of the Nazarene 1908 W. Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-744-3017

Episcopal

St Paul Episcopal Church 123 S. Jackson ST. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2224

Lutheran

Athens Lutheran Church 710 Forrest Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9419

Methodist

Keith Memorial UMC 600 W Madison Ave. Athens, TN 37371 423-745-2612 Piney Grove UMC 767 County Rd. 750 423-462-2130 Athens, TN 37303 Riceville 2519 Cindy St Athens, TN 37303 423-462-2130 St. Mark Ame Zion Methodist 707 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 Tranquility UMC 135 County Rd. 177 Athens, TN 37303 423-334-3062 Trinity UMC 100 E. College St Athens, TN 37303

423-745-0452 Vine Grove UMC 517 County Rd. 778 Athens, Tn 37303 423-507-5760

Non- Denominational

Ascension Life 935 Rocky Mount Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-829-5102 Christian Freedom Wrshp Center 109 Cherry St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8999 Emmanuel Church 1905 Congress Parkway S. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-0851 Freedom Chapel 815 Cleveland Ave. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8079 Great Deliverance Ministries 2329 Clearwater Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7575 Liberty Church 3328 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-9248 Overcoming Faith Christian 14 Carter Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-3105 Restoration Church 3115 Hwy 39 Athens, TN 37303 423-745-7777 Sanctury 9 S. Kilgore St. Athens, TN 37303 423-745-8900

Pentecostal

Crosslife Ministries 817 S. White St Athens, TN 37313 423-368-7197 Athens United Pentecostal 2820 Hwy 11 Athens, TN 37303 423-744-7159

Presbyterian

First United Presbyterian Church 321 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-744-9073 Mars Hill Presbyterian 205 N. Jackson St Athens, TN 37303 423-745-1403

Seveth-Day Adventist

Seveth-Day Adventist 230 New Englewood Rd Athens, TN 37303 423-745-2335

Church Activies & Events Bowman Hills School Annual Rummage Sale

July 15th - 17th.

July 15 & 16 from 8am - 6pm.

July 17 from 8am - 4pm.

Friday is Half Price Sale, and the Dollar Bag Sale is from 2p - 4p.

300 Westview Drive NE Cleveland, TN 37312 423-476-6014 _________________________________________________________

International Fellowship Ministry Conference

July 15, 2015 - 7:00pm Call: 423-478-7337 North Cleveland Church of God 335 11th Street NE Cleveland, TN _________________________________________________________

The Church at Grace Point VBS

July 12, 2015 - July 16, 2015 423-728-5050 2575 Old Freewill Rd. Cleveland, TN 37320

Gò0dNews for Parents

It Takes a Church to Raise a Child

by Alicia Klepper

T

he original African proverb, “It takes a

let us not neglect our meeting together, as some

village to raise a child," was probably

people do, but encourage one another, especially

coined as a literal phrase, where the

now that the day of his return is drawing

community came together to help shape the lives of the next generation. I witnessed this firsthand in villages in Haiti and South America, where people live to care for each other, the community

The church body is the perfect village (notice I didn’t say, the church body is a village of perfect people). God knew when He created the body of believers that it would consist of all imperfect

struggles and rejoices as one.

parts; yet, He chooses it anyway. By making the

They don’t need psychologists

church our village, we are allowing our children

or experts telling them this

the opportunity to be mentored, supported,

is good; it is natural. People

encouraged, and even corrected by the body of

are created to need people.

Christ at work. There are teachings of conviction

“God has given each of you a

and Christ-transformation that only pastors can

gift from His great variety of

provide. There are words of wisdom that only

spiritual gifts. Use them well to

the elders of the church can minister. There are

serve one another” (1 Pet. 4:10

times of authentic understanding that only peers

NLT).

walking the same walk of faith can offer. There’s

Children running the

an internal and eternal impact made when our

neighborhoods until dark is

children experience love and guidance from those

a memory and no longer a

who are not obligated to love and guide them.

daily activity. The village isn’t

“This makes for harmony among the members,

what it used to be, and I’m

so that all the members care for each other. If one

not as fond of it as I once

part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one

was. As much as I sometimes

part is honored, all the parts are glad” (1 Cor.

want to hide my children in

12:25-26).

safety until the return of Christ,

I encourage those who have experienced

the old African proverb still

the failure the worldly village can only offer to

holds weight: We cannot do

move into a church village and become a part of

this alone. We cannot impact

the body of Christ. Dwell in the perfect design

our children effectively and

of the Lord, which is to belong to His imperfect

eternally by isolating ourselves;

people and build each other up in His grace. “We

a deserted island is a lonely

are many parts of one body, and we all belong to

place. We need people; God

each other”(Rom. 12:5 NLT).

created us this way.

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts

20 // July 2015

near”(Heb. 10:24-25 NLT).

of love and good works. And

Alicia Klepper and her husband Mark have been married for 13 years. Alicia homeschools their three children. The Kleppers are active members at Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy.

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Gò0dNews for Life

Beautiful Music

by Beth Henderson

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3 NIV).

W

hile driving my children to school one morning, I

1 Chronicles. This seemingly endless genealogy challenged

listened to a mix of music my husband compiled

me. Just a list of names, I thought, but the Lord allowed me

for us to enjoy on long trips. This collection

to see some important statements between the names. We

contains hours of varied types of music my husband and I

read of soldiers, shepherds, craftsmen and builders, heads of

grew up with, plus a few our parents would like as well.

families and outstanding leaders, priests and temple servants.

This particular morning we listened to Randy Travis, Eric

There were gatekeepers and those responsible for counting

Clapton, Allison Kraus, and Johnny Cash. I marveled aloud

the utensils or articles used in the temple. Some were

that some people can take a piece of wood with strings and

responsible for the furnishings; others mixed the spices.

make it sound beautiful. My own musical abilities are limited

Some baked the bread; others put the bread on the table. Each

at best, but I respect what others can do. Upon my statement

had a place of honor.

of wonder at such things, my daughter made the following

And, yes, there were the musicians. I wonder what those

comment: “It’s funny how two people can be playing the same

songs were like. It makes me think that when I stand up to

instrument and make them sound completely different.”

teach or sing in the choir Sunday or pick up paper towels off

What struck me about her comment was the thought

the bathroom floor, I should consider my delivery. How about

that two people charged with the same tasks and given the

when I discipline my children or submit to my husband? I

same tools and abilities to accomplish them, can accomplish

want to be passionate about everything I do and do it all for

different results. I think this is a real life issue. There’s a

the glory of God. It will make a difference in my life and in the

principle at work here that can change our marriages,

lives of those around me. In 1 Chronicles 9:33, we read that the

how we parent, how we communicate, and how

musicians in the temple “were responsible for the work night

we view others, because it reveals how we view God

and day.” That takes passion—not to mention commitment! So

and what He has given us.

does praying without ceasing, or meditating on God’s Word,

As believers, God has given us certain gifts and abilities to carry out His plans for our lives. He has given us His word, His Spirit, and the power of prayer, but the results can vary

or always being prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have.

Whatever assignment God has given you is a place of

as much as the songs on the radio. Have you ever heard two

honor. If you scrub the floor, straighten song books, shake

versions of “Amazing Grace” back to back? While the words

hands, teach, preach, or sing . . . perform that duty with

were just as sweet each time, the delivery was not always as

passion. You and I can ignore what God has called us to do;

powerful. I think it’s a matter of passion.

we can use the instruments God has placed in our hands for

I’ve been reading through the Bible with a group of ladies at my church, and this morning we were reading in

22 // July 2015

selfish and worldly gain, or we can bless Him and point others to eternity. That’s a humbling and powerful thought.

Beth Henderson is the development director at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center.

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

W

Swimming

by Kristy Snider

ater is a vital part of our lives. We drink it to

time. Swimming is a great workout for individu-

stay hydrated and healthy. We play in it to

als who are overweight or have issues with joint

cool down in the summer. Lakes and rivers

pain. This low-impact resistance is also a great

are a popular location during warm weather because of

option for individuals doing physical therapy for

all the activities available: water skiing, tubing, boating,

an injury or other condition.

or just floating around. Most people think of water as ei-

3. Swimming is a valuable life skill. This fun activity

ther a requirement for staying alive or an avenue for fun

is a great form of exercise that can also be lifesav-

activities in warm weather. For those who have never

ing. With so many activities in our area based

tried swimming as a form of exercise, they don’t realize

around water, learning to swim is a skill that some

what they are missing!

people do not have. Most people practice habits

Swimming is beneficial for your health in many ways.

and develop skills that keep them and their family

1. Swimming gives you a whole-body workout.

safe, and swimming is no different. When enjoy-

Swimming gives you a moderate or intense

ing water sports and relaxation around the water,

aerobic workout that can strengthen muscles

it is great to know you and your family are more

and increase lung capacity. There are four main

protected by knowing how to swim.

competitive strokes in swimming and more

If you are rethinking the idea of swimming as a

strokes that are for recreational swimming. Each

recreation-only activity, then you should check it out.

of these strokes work different muscle groups

There are plenty of places that teach swim lessons for all

and helps build muscle tone. An adult can

ages, offer competitive teams for youth and adults, and

burn hundreds of calories in a single hour-long

also offer personal lap swim times during their daily

workout! Swimming can also increase flexibility

schedules. If you did not learn how to swim as a child,

and improve balance and posture.

it is never too late to learn! Don’t let anything hold you

2. Swimming allows you to exercise without putting stress on your body. Most exercises on land create

back from learning a different skill and starting new and healthy habits!

impact on joints, which can become an issue over

24 // July 2015

Kristy Snider is the aquatics director at the Cleveland Family YMCA.

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Gò0dNews for Teens

Satisfying the ‘Hunger Games’ of the Youth Culture

by John Kie Vining

E

very generation faces its own unique growing-up challenges. Being connected embodies the struggle of today’s youth experience. The wizards of technology

have created an endless list of edgy communication devices to meet this relational demand. Yet, today’s youth culture appears more needy and less fulfilled than ever.

“EMO” is the lingo when experiencing the emotional pain of disconnect and needing relational SOS. Such relational hunger has given rise to a variety of behaviors that therapists now interpret as cries for help. These behaviors include: Cutting—(and for some, tattooing and piercings) physical pain to cover internal pain; Dusting—using computer keyboard aerosol (Dust Off) to get high; Choking—oneself to create euphoric state; Salvia—a new hallucinogenic herb considered the new marijuana.

When society at large, especially parents and the church, ignore the aloneness issue highlighted in the Creation story, disaster lurks. Research shows: • Compared to twenty-five years ago, social isolation and its resultant emotional pain have increased.

• Emotional needs continue to be sexualized. “Hooking up” (premarital sex) has been experienced by 30 percent of teens with a person they met that day. Almost two-thirds (64%) have hooked up with a “friend” known as a “friend with benefits.”

• The majority of adolescent girls worry about their body image. Three-quarters (75%) would surgically change something about their bodies if possible. Over eighty percent (81%) of ten year olds are concerned about being too fat.

• The third leading cause of death among teens is suicide.

• Approximately 8,000 teens per day contract a sexually transmitted disease.

• Three thousand children per day witness the divorce of their parents.

• Well over one-third (40%) of children do not live with their biological father; more than half haven’t seen him in the past year.

• By age eighteen, 33 percent of girls and 17 percent of boys are sexually abused by someone they loved or trusted.

The gadgets of technology—television, computers, cell phones, text messaging, social networks like MySpace and Facebook, and the next techno generation will never have the power to take the place of flesh and blood, heart-to-heart intimacy. Joshua Straub’s insight on this point is keen: “Relational gluttony is not the answer to relational emptiness. It only perpetuates it.”

Parental investment is one of the dynamic secrets to satisfying the hunger of relational emptiness of the young.

As shown in my latest book, Becoming ChildWise: Discovering the Heart of Parenting, “As parents go deep in their knowing of the heart needs of their children, they then can go deep in their caring of their children. Parents who dare enter their children’s world emotionally nurture their children and protect them from illicit attempts to satisfy heart hunger. No one can take the place of a parent for this necessity of life.”

For guidance on this issue and others that your child, or you, may be facing, contact us 423-400-6428.

26 // July 2015

Dr. John Kie Vining is the director of Youth Counseling Service, a non-profit, licensed mental health counseling agency located in Cleveland, TN. He is the author, editor, or contributor to more than 20 books. He and his wife, Dr. Su Vining, conduct marriage and family seminars as an extension of their counseling center. He can be reached at 423-476-1933 or johnkvining@gmail.com.

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FEATURED COVER STORY

You Can Do Anything You Want Dream Big and Trust God for the Outcome!

by Zackery Gates

I

’d love to share what God has done for me. Telling

twenty, Jesus called me into the U.S. Army. We never

you the stories of how I’ve died many times, been

dated (well, once but that’s another cup.) She has

run over by a Humvee, run across a deployed

beautiful long brown hair, gorgeous brown eyes, two

parachutes 800 feet in the air would be fun to share, but

degrees (graduating from Lee University) with a double

that’s another cup of coffee. For most men—including

major in foreign language. With her organizational

Christian men—sometimes it’s hard to share and handle

skills, she could run any business if you give her a day

emotions. But hopefully you’ll get the point that Jesus

or two, and through example she shows me the grace of

gives you your heart’s desire, plus He is just good and

Christ in her every way. Without her I’d rather not be.

worth pursuing, trusting, loving! And He drinks coffee,

She is my desire! (“I love you, Babe.”)

in heaven. Wink. My Lord knew me better than I did, not being an ambitious youngster earlier in life. To save space, I will have to skip some details, which is for another cup.

“True Love Waits” Retreat

I made the decision to take a step after Christ when

The Lasater Way

Moving forward several years later with two well-

behaved, beautifully saved children Chloe Addison and Paul Micah, I was asleep one day. I heard a voice that woke me up. He said, “You can do anything you want!”

I sat up after being exhausted from work. I literally

was six. Mom and Dad did what they felt was best for

slapped my face and tried to wake up. “Lord, if that was

me and my sis. I realized they did raise us in the love

You, please say it again.”

of Jesus—not church as an adult. When I was twelve, I

He replied, “You can do anything you want!”

went to a “True Love Waits” weekend retreat. I ending

I thought for a second then said, “I want to own

up writing a love letter for my future bride. She read it

a coffee shop.” Crying very hard, I went downstairs

on our wedding day eight and a half years later. I prayed

to tell Heather. She encouraged me to go see my

and asked God for a woman with brown hair and brown

new friend Mat Lasater, which I met at church while

eyes. I asked that she be smart and organized. Lastly, I

stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in the 101st

prayed that she loves Jesus first and foremost.

Airborne Division. I would go to his Tennessee roastery,

Heather Gates was my dearest friend when at age

28 // July 2015

drink coffee, and play ping-pong to calm down after

many weeks of Army life. I did not know that I was being educated in “The Lasater Way” and becoming good friends. Mat is our franchisor. Married with four children, he seeks God’s will and his heart’s desire, which is combining traditional values with awardwinning coffee. I tried to pay into the business that day, but he said, “No, let’s see what God will do. You are in the Army.” Thinking back, it’s funny for me. I am glad he thinks things through. We drank lots of Lasaters Coffee that season. I watched him pray and seek Christ to grow the business. I got to help him do the build-out for another franchisee once. It was fun.

Cleveland Public Library (a wonderful training ground for me), I went to the back, sat in the floor, and prayed: “Lord, why did You wake me from my sleep for this?”

God heard me and kindly said, “I know your heart’s desire.” That spoke so loudly to me because I know I dream big. And if the Almighty knows my desire, then I have nothing to worry about. I stood up and went back to serving.

The Café

Soon I was able to pursue a stand-alone location,

which is on 25th Street in the Retreat of Spring Creek

The Trip to Guatemala

After I came back from Afghanistan and before

development, next to Jenkins Deli. To see how God worked out every detail so easily was miraculous. From the time we broke ground to Lasaters re-grand opening

we knew I’d become a Lasaters franchisee, he bought

was only ten weeks. We built our café, ordered all

me a ticket to Guatemala. It was an incredible trip. I

equipment and product, hired our new team of baristas,

learned how to cup coffee, which is taste-testing. I saw

and trained them. It was a purposeful season for me.

the wonderful culture and livelihood that coffee affords

God not only provided but He also gave us grace and

nations and nations of families. It is an amazing process

mercy to get the job done. How often are businesses

to see the small saplings grow and bloom cherries that

built from the ground up in ten weeks?

bless so many with income to provide for their family and delight our taste buds.

We saw how plantations take good, quality coffee

Since we have been in business, I have learned it is not about me. I have been blessed with many family and friends who have jumped in to help and guide us along

and split the defective beans. Some big companies buy

the way. Ultimately, it is about hearing that still, small

the cheaper low quality with their big brand name, and

voice of Jesus when you have a desire.

I am happy they can. Lasaters will always buy highquality beans, but you must come to taste for yourself.

The coffee flavor and environment we offer isn’t normal in this day and time. We have set it up to be a warm, welcoming environment. We smile as we work to serve you. I am very proud to be a local Cleveland, Tennessee, small business owner.

On a very low-volume day at my first location in the

issuu.com/goodnewscm // 29

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Prayer Is Hallowing

by Julius McCarter

people in. They came looking for something to

T

and those on the margins, one of the first things we're

eat, but they wanted something more, too. While

compelled to do is pray. If there's one thing about prayer

that day in the fellowship hall, a grieving woman, a lonely

Imagine those who come to you and share a great

immigrant, a sick man—all in succession—came to me to

burden. They share loss, failure, despair, fear, brokenness,

ask, “Will you pray for me?”

or sickness (their own or that of someone they love). What

he atmosphere that brisk November day drew

lifting a box of food, in the noise and bustle of the crowd

It was obvious what my function was that day. I was

When the Church goes about its work with the broken

I've learned over the years, it is this: Prayer hallows.

do you say upon listening? Thanks for sharing? Good

the pastor, and I was dressed like the pastor with a clerical

luck with all that? I'm so sorry? Something has happened,

collar—the “target” for all those who needed food, but

something was shared that needs to be set apart from

prayer too.

every other mundane and silly thing that has happened

So each time, I took a deep breath and prayed with

during the day. The moment needs to be hallowed—set

those who asked. Ed was a filthy white guy who was out

apart, consecrated, made holy. So you pray. Prayer is

of work and had his hungry wife and three kids in the

hallowing our daily lives.

car begging for help. One of our town's most insane and

I think about the prayer time during worship. We

drug-addicted visitors ranted, in no particular sequence,

go around sharing a variety of requests. People are

all of the things she needed for prayer. “I can't do this

sick. People are traveling. People are struggling. People

much longer, preacher. Please ask God to help me.”

are broken. People are afraid. After gathering all these

Despite all the hysteria, I make the sign of the cross

requests and opening our hearts to each other, what are

over them, offered a few words of prayer for them to God,

we to say in response? “Thanks for sharing, everyone”

and a strange calm came over them.

doesn't quite cut it. The moment where we weep with

I would still sit with them and let them talk or cry.

those who weep and rejoice with those rejoice needs

I'd listen and lay my hand over them as I prayed. I never

hallowing. So we pray. Our sharing wasn't just “catching

really know where those words come from. I still feel

up” around the water cooler. Something sacred was going

homey offering those prayers; there's nothing mysterious

on. And so we pray; we hallow.

there. But I still cry.

30 // July 2015

The Reverend Dr. Julius McCarter is an ordained minister and lives in Loudon with his wife, Kendra, and their three “children”—cats, Ricky, Henley, and Pippa.

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Gò0dNews for Couples

Cherishing Her

by John Garrod So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church (Eph. 5:28-29 NKJV).

I

like to think of myself as a bit of an archer. Since I got

here isn’t just a part of the verse; it is the summary of

my first bow almost thirty years ago and

the commands. If I cherish my wife, then caring for her,

had my wife (yes, my wife) teach me

how to shoot it, I've had a variety of bows. Most have been compound bows I found at yard sales or on Craigslist, and I even have a couple of crossbows.

A couple of years ago through some creative horse trading, I ended up with a beauty.

protecting her, and all the other ways Scripture says love should manifest itself, will come about naturally.

Cherishing is an active, ongoing campaign of love. It is a rewarding endeavor, to be sure, but I do not cherish her for the return on the investment. I cherish her because I love her, because she is a precious gift from God. If I put that bow in a case, store

It's a simple wooden recurve bow;

it in a safe place, and care for it

handcrafted by a small company

according to the manufacturer’s

that writes the specifications by

directions, you’d probably say I am

hand on each bow. It is a beautiful

just taking good care of it. The Bible,

piece of craftsmanship, the envy of

on the other hand, especially the New

some of my friends. My kids would

Testament, focuses less on possessions

tell you I'd probably sell a kidney

and far more on how you treat others in

before I'd sell this bow. (Maybe not

your life. Your relationship with your

my kidney, but. . . .) It's one of a few

spouse is second in importance only to

things I own that I could imagine

that with your Savior. Ephesians 5:25

my sons and daughters fighting over

says we should love our wives as Christ

when I'm gone. Yes, my daughters

loved the church—the church for which

shoot, too.

He gave Himself. “He who finds a wife

As keenly as I value that bow,

finds a good thing, and obtains favor

though, I can't say that I cherish it.

from the Lord,” says Proverbs 18:22

Dictionary.com defines the word cherish

(NKJV). Your spouse is a gift, an honor

as "to hold or treat as dear; feel love

from God. Understand that, and you’ll

for." I don't love my bow, nor do I use

find cherishing and loving her will feel

that word lightly. I don't think you can

as natural and smooth as the grip of my

or should love any possession, certainly

handmade bow.

not with godly love. I enjoy having my bow; I love my wife. The word cherish

32 // July 2015

John Garrod is a father of six, husband of one, Army veteran, and a resident of Tennessee for the past four years. He is a member at South Cleveland Church of God.

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Gò0dNews for Seniors

Precious Memories . . . How They Linger

by Esmerelda Lee

P

eople often ask me about the history behind the two bronze statues that grace the grounds of Garden Plaza. In fact, I have talked with many residents about the largerthan-life-sized statue at the front of our building. Sometimes they reminisce how this statue reminded them of their own grandparents, and some have compared the statue to their own family pictures. Once I watched a lady caress the face of the father in the picture as she exclaimed, “He reminds me so much of my husband when we first had our family.”

When I spoke with the sculptor of these amazing pieces, I was so excited to learn the stories behind them. The life-sized bronzed statue of a family with the son playfully catching his farm hat as he holds on to his daddy is called “The Promise of the Prairie.”

After learning the name of this piece, I view this statue with fresh eyes. The early settlers were probably a lot like this proud couple who was filled with excitement of owning and working

34 // July 2015

their land—a land that held much promise for their young families. This couple had their eyes open, as if they were surveying their vast property. I have to wonder what dreams, plans, and aspirations filled their hearts.

George Lundeen, the sculptor, told me that his own hometown in Holredge, Nebraska, inspired the original piece. He spoke fondly of this quaint town of approximately 5,000 people where children could ride their bikes and everyone knew each other.

The original statue now towers ten feet tall in the town’s State Park, and it is an everlasting token of goodwill. The town raised the money to build the statue, and George created something special that displayed his love for his town and country.

This reiterated what I had already discovered by listening to our residents: Mr. Lundeen’s intention was for ordinary people to see themselves or their family in this beautiful piece. He told me that he had been commissioned to make bronze statues of many famous people. Most recently, he was commissioned to sculpt Amelia Earhart for the White House, but he wanted people to see themselves in this sculpted work of art and share the joy of being immortal. When I recently saw a man whom I admire stare at this piece with moisture in his eyes, I knew that while some may see a lifeless bronze statue, this piece captured a lifetime of purity, hard work, passion, and dreams.

The bronze piece that is located outside our Assisted Living Facility is a statue of a boy and his animals.

It is called “The Peacekeeper” and

is very special to George Lundeen because it was inspired by his son Warner. Warner, who is nickname WD, was called Dubby by his sister who could never pronounce WD. This statue makes us remember a

time of peace . . . a boy playing with his pet dog, “Chubby,” and his lattecolored cat named “Puggie.” Many of us remember a time when we were children just like Warner, a time when we had no cares in the world, a time of unconditional love with our animals.

This piece is a daily reminder that peace always begins and ends with the simple things in life.

So the next time you have the opportunity to visit our campus at Garden Plaza of Cleveland, I hope you will take a minute to appreciate the beautiful scenery, the people, and the two manmade memories immortalized by artist George Lundeen. And maybe, just maybe, you will be reminded of a precious memory that once gave you a moment of peace and promise.

Esmerelda Lee is campus manager for Garden Plaza of Cleveland, an independent and assisted living facility for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone A Glimpse of Heaven to Me Today

A Pillow, a Blanket, and a $5 Bill

by Kelly Hixson

O

ne morning while going to work, my

enough, he was slumped over asleep on the sidewalk

daughter noticed a homeless man asleep

in the freezing cold. I pulled over, parked on the side

and slumped over on the sidewalk. She said,

of the road, and quietly tip-toed over to where he was

“Mom, that is so sad to see that man asleep in the cold.”

I looked over at him and replied, “Yes, that is

sleeping. I placed the bag of supplies next to him and quietly walked away. We drove away with joy in our

extremely sad.” To be honest, I really didn’t think much

hearts and anticipation of what we might find the next

about her statement. The next morning when I was

day on the way to work.

getting ready to travel down that same stretch of road,

We could hardly sleep that night and couldn’t wait

I thought about the man again and the statement my

to be awakened by our alarm clocks. Something was

daughter had made. I prayed quietly to the Lord asking,

different. We were getting ready with that same joy

“Lord, what can I do?” When I released that prayer to

and anticipation we had the day we made our delivery.

Him, He answered me back: “A pillow, a blanket, and a

Heading out the door, we said to one another, “I hope

$5 bill.”

he is using our pillow and blanket.” As we approached

Joyfully, I ran into my daughter’s room and told

the spot where we had seen him, our excitement

her that God wants us to give the homeless man a

increased. Then we saw him and couldn’t believe the

pillow, a blanket, and a $5 bill. She looked at me with

scene. He was sitting on a bench sharing the blanket

excitement and began digging in her closet for a pillow

with another homeless man with a cup of warm coffee

and a blanket. I ran to the kitchen to find a bag and an

in his hand.

envelope to put the $5 bill in. Then I placed everything

Do you want a special assignment from the Lord?

in the bag, along with a note that said, “Jesus loves

Just ask Him, “Lord, what can I do?” He might just

you.”

answer back: “A pillow, a blanket and a $5 bill.”

As we traveled down that same road, this time the

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when

journey was different. We had excitement in our spirit

you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and

and a prayer in our heart that if that man was there, we

sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (Matt. 25:40 NLT).

would deliver our package. Sure

36 // July 2015

Kelly Hixson is a teacher at Black Fox Elementary. You can follow her “glimpses” on Facebook or e-mail her at kellyhixson2@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A Wise and Master Builder

by Dave Carringer

I

n Paul’s first letter to the

me unbroken fellowship with God

no natural education or religious

Corinthians, he calls himself a “wise and master builder.” This may seem prideful and arrogant on the surface, but looking closer at Paul’s life helps us see why he was able to make such a bold and confident statement.

In 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, Paul says; “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise and master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus” (NKJV).

Paul first declares where his ability comes from: “According to the grace of God given to me.” Paul was a highly educated man with religious tradition, diplomas, and degrees to boast about. Yet, as he writes to the Philippians in chapter 3, “I have many things to boast about. But what I worked so hard to achieve, I now gladly sacrifice it all,

through righteousness by faith, apart from the works of the law.

I’ve not yet grasped it all, nor have I reached the finish line, but each new day I purpose to move deeper in a greater awareness of Him, taking hold of everything He took hold of for me!”

Paul was declaring that everything he’d learned in the natural realm, along with all his religious training, must now take a backseat to what Christ was teaching him in the Spirit realm.

Paul says the foundation is laid in Christ “and another builds on it.”

The word another is the same word Jesus used in John 14:16 to describe our Helper, Holy Spirit. It means “One besides; another of the same kind.” The Holy Spirit has been sent to reveal the Kingdom and help us build upon the foundation of Christ.

Jesus said; “He will guide you into all truth, not speaking on His own authority, but taking that

teaching could ever produce what the Spirit of God in him could do. This helps us understand the promise of Jesus in John 14:12; “The works you’ve seen Me do, you will do also.” It’s not by might, power, education, religious background, or anything else this natural realm can ever offer, but only by the Spirit of God living inside us!

Paul finishes verse 10 by saying “Let each one [you and me] take heed how he builds on it.” We’ve been given the Spirit of God to show us how to build the Kingdom just as Jesus started it, so that what we build will not be counted as wood, hay, or stubble, but with things of an eternal quality which the Holy Spirit shows us. When we are led by His Spirit and build on the foundation of Christ alone, our work will be seen as gold, silver, and precious stones, clearly revealing that like Paul, by God’s grace alone, we too, became wise and master builders for the Kingdom!

that I may know the real meaning of Life, which is Christ crucified and the power of His resurrection!

Those former things are now as rubbish to me, for Christ has given

which is Mine, declaring it to you, and showing you things to come” (John 16:13-15). Paul’s revelation of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27) had made him aware that

38 // July 2015

Dave Carringer is a minister of the Gospel.

God called him behind the bars in 1997, where he and his wife Kay share the Good News with thousands of state prison inmates each year. They also own Abundant Living Organic Foods.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Faith through Fire, Faith through Belief A man who is intimate with God is not intimidated by man.

—Leonard Ravenhill

L

by Luke Sanford

eonard Ravenhill is one of my favorite revivalist, and this man truly lived his faith. Ravenhill prophesied many things that would happen in America. He spoke of the dissolving of the education system and the rampant immorality that homosexuality would produce in culture. But he was also know for his faith and his belief that God would bring revival.

I've never read or listened to a man who had more conviction about changing culture through revival than this man. He believed when no one else did, and trust me, God honored that. His meetings were filled with the Holy Spirit and God honored him everywhere he went. He worked hard, but it was God who put him in front of those people.

When I was younger I had a vision of me preaching to thousands of people, that vision follows me to this day. And I have faith that God always keeps His promises. It is the hard times where our faith is in question, where it seems to waiver. This is when God desires it most.

It's truly impossible to please God without faith.

Works can only get us so far, and God can take you much farther than you can take yourself even when we've been applying for jobs for weeks or been studying for days and feel that the desired outcome hasn't come yet. It seems that God keeps these seeds to plant later. God will provide, and He will come through. His Word says that no word comes back to Him void, and truly none do.

I believe that our relationship grows with God in the doubting, hard moments more than it does any

40 // July 2015

other time. It makes us realize that we can't make it without Him. I've cried out to God many times, and times are tough sometimes, but He often takes me aside and says, "Do you know how much I love you?" And, he says, "Have you ever seen the righteous forsaken, or their children begging for bread?" (see Ps. 37:25).

It's God words that move me, and it's His hope in which I reside. A long time ago I saw a waterfall, and God spoke to me and said there are times of fruitfulness; there are times of much, and there are times when the waterfall ceases to flow, but it's both times where your faith is involved. It’s in this season when it feels like a hurricane that God is faithful to keep His promises to all people. He is going to rescue the contrite in spirit and the broken in heart.

No matter what someone's condition is, we should always treat the person with love and faith. Let us be more like Jesus; let us have faith in what He has for us. He's the great I am, and He owns a cattle on a thousand hills. I claim those hills and what He has for me. I will fight over the prophecies He's given me a with a righteous jealousy.

Will you?

Find God, find faith, and I promise if you hinge your faith on God, He will never forsake you. Fire is what He uses to prune you. Will you trust the process? Your faith is being tested.

Luke Sanford is a recent pastoral ministry major graduate from Lee University. He is an aspiring minister and writer. He hopes to help lead a five-fold ministry based on the Paul's Ephesian model in August. He also endeavors to become a writer and help churches and nonprofits with their creative process and branding.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

T

Fruit Crisp

by Deana Thompson

hose of you who have children under the age of ten (as I do) have likely seen more VeggieTales movies than you would care to recall. A question that often comes up around my house is: “Is Larry the Cucumber a vegetable or a fruit?” Most people (including grocery store managers) put cucumbers with the veggies; however, those who are more scientifically oriented

tend to say that cucumbers are fruit. Just this morning my son, who is taking biology this year, informed me of the difference between a vegetable and a fruit. A food is called a vegetable when we eat the stalk, leaves, or roots of the plant; it is called a fruit when we eat the “seed container” of a plant. So if it has seeds, it is a fruit.

A piece of fruit, then, is the next generation of a plant. It is what will make new plants and trees for others to enjoy. We do not plant fruit trees, tomato plants, or blueberry bushes for their green leaves but for the fruit we will get to enjoy. If a fig bush has beautiful, large leaves but does not produce fruit, it will soon be cut down to make room for something that will produce fruit.

As Christians, we are supposed to bear fruit and pass on the characteristics of God to the next generation. We are supposed to sow life to those around us. However, we cannot bear fruit on our own. We must remain in Jesus Christ in order to bear fruit, for apart from Him, we can do nothing. He promised that if we abide in Him, we would not just bear fruit but bear “much fruit” (John 15:5 NIV). He then admonished us not to just bear fruit but to bear “fruit that will last” (v. 16). Matthew says that we will be recognized by our fruit, whether it is good or bad (Matt. 7:16). Do you want to be known as a good tree or a bad tree? Do you want wizened, moldy fruit that is immediately thrown away? Or do you want beautiful, juicy fruit that will last—such as those listed in the Galatians 5 fruit salad?

As you eat this fruit crisp, let it remind you to produce fruit that others will find tasty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 5 c. pared and thinly sliced apples, peaches or pears (fresh or frozen) • 2 Tbsp. honey • ½ c. old-fashioned rolled oats • ¼ c. flour • ¼ tsp. cinnamon • ¼ c. unsalted butter, softened • ¼ c. unsweetened coconut • 2 Tbsp. honey • Whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Thaw fruit, if needed. Do not drain.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. 3. Place the fruit in an 8” baking dish. Drizzle the 2 Tbsp. of honey on top of the fruit.

4. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour and cinnamon. Cut in the butter (using a pastry blender or 2 knives) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the coconut.

5. Sprinkle this mixture over the fruit, and drizzle the top with the remaining 2 Tbsp. of honey.

6. Bake for 30-35 minutes (40 minutes for thawed fruit) or until the fruit is tender and the topping is golden.

7. Serve warm with Whipped Cream or ice cream.

Whipped Cream

In a 4-cup measuring cup, combine 1 c. heavy whipping cream, 2 Tbsp. honey and ¼ tsp. pure vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff.

42 // July 2015

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Be Yourself

I

by Kelly McDonald “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14 NIV).

t’s easy to compare ourselves to someone else. We often measure our success or failure based on other people. Whether it’s at work, in ministry, or just life in general, it can be hard not to compare ourselves to others. These comparisons can cause us frustration and discouragement.

I want to share a personal story that I think will help you. I played baseball in high school and junior college.

My high school coach used to have a saying: “Stay within yourself.” Our coach was encouraging us to stay within our God-given abilities. Sometimes we would try to do too much and play like Babe Ruth, one of the best baseball players of all time. He could do it all! As baseball players, none of us had to be Babe Ruth to win a baseball game. By putting our talents together, we had a team that could win.

In 1 Samuel 17, Goliath was taunting the Israelite army. No one seemed to be courageous enough to stand against him except a shepherd boy named David. Let’s read what happened next. “Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. ‘I cannot go in these,’ he said to Saul, ‘because I am not used to them.’ So he took them off” (vv. 38-39).

44 // July 2015

Saul tried to send David to fight in his armor, but David was not able to wear it. David won the victory without Saul’s armor; he fought with a sling and five stones. This was a weapon that fit his abilities. Saul was a proven warrior with armor that was known to be successful, but David had a unique revelation of warfare. His methods were unproven to Saul, but his God-given abilities were needed for victory.

In Psalm 139:14, the Bible tells us that we are each fearfully and wonderfully made. We are all made in the image of God. Each of us has an aspect of God’s personality. We are a unique revelation of God’s personality on earth. Our gifts, talents, and abilities are unique to us. We can see this in Creation itself.

Did you know that every human being was created with a unique fingerprint and voice? This means you are one of a kind. You are wonderfully made!

Always remember that the person who is successful today started somewhere. You may think you only have little, but Jesus said that those who are faithful over little will be faithful over much (see Luke 16:10). Success is measured by faithfulness, even in the little things.

Just be who God made you to be; be yourself.

Kelly McDonald, Jr. is an ordained evangelist with Hungry Hearts Ministries. He has written 15 books and booklets on Christian Living. www.hungryheartsministry.com

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Two Kinds of Faith …

Big FAITH and Little FAITH!

T

by Don Smith

here are two interesting stories in the Bible

With Gideon it was: “You want me to fight and win?

concerning faith; (now there are more, but these

OK, he gathered an army of 32,000. With Philip it was:

two are interesting to me), Gideon in Judges 6,

“What can I do? Here’s some bread and fish. What can

and Philip in Mark 6.

In the story of Gideon, most people like to point

You do?”

With Gideon, God whittled down Gideon’s effort to

out Gideon’s lack of faith. I disagree! Once Gideon

less than 1 percent, and that was enough. With Philip,

was assured that God was with him, he performed an

Jesus took his “lunchable” fed 5,000 men, plus women

amazing act. He gathered

and children and had

32,000 men of Israel. You

twelve baskets full left over.

read that correctl—32,000

I’ve heard speaker after

men. At no time in the

speaker tell you that you

Revolutionary war

must have large faith . . .

with General George

stretch . . . reach. But I see

Washington did he ever

that there is another law at

muster 32,000 men to go

work here—God! God is

against the globe’s largest

interested in showing you

military force. But Gideon

His power, His authority,

within a few weeks had

His kingdom. If you think

gathered 32,000 men. Now

you can fit God into a box,

God wasn’t going to use

think again. He told David

all 32,000 men to bring

that if he [David] built His a

His victory, but Gideon took on the challenge of the

sanctuary He [God] couldn’t fit in it. Don’t be ashamed

Angel when he said, “Save Israel in your own power.”

of your faith—large or small. When you turn it over to

(I encourage you to read the story in Judges starting in

Elohim, it will be enough

chapter 6).

Now Philip, on the other hand, has just started

What’s the take away? The size of your faith is not the issue; it’s that you bring it to the Master. He can

hanging with Yeshua (Jesus). While Jesus was teaching

either decrease it to show His magnificence, or He can

for a long period of time, it became late and the people

increase it to show His authority. What size faith do you

needed to find victuals (as the KJV calls them—food).

possess? Gideon’s or Philip’s? No matter what size your

And Philip said what are we going to do Jesus? Jesus

faith is, it doesn’t matter in the Kingdom. Size doesn’t

answered him saying, “You feed them” (do you get

matter; it’s whose hand is upon it.

the parallel?). Philip’s response was, “All we have is five loaves and two fishes, but what are they among so many?” (v. 9).

46 // July 2015

Donald E. Smith, Jr. M.Div., D.Min. Executive Director Hearts Set Free

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Trusting God in the Fog “You can trust the Man who died for you.” ~Elizabeth Elliot

by LaQuita Propes

W

hen God is at work in our lives, we may not be able to recognize Him at first, especially when the fog sets in, worry nags at our hearts, and we are confused. But usually if we look closely, we can see the fingerprints of God on our situation. At that point, what is our response? Do we stay in the boat and slowly make our way to shore like the other disciples did when they saw Jesus walking on the water? Or do we dive in head first like Peter, rushing to our Lord as fast as we can?

When I read Romans 8:28; “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” I think, There is no maybe in the scripture above.

We know without a shadow of a doubt God causes all things to work together for our good. He works in the bad things, in the unexplainable things, in the things that trouble us. Sometimes we have a hard time understanding this scripture because we don’t see the whole picture. We can’t see why God is withholding the answer, so we have to blindly go forward in faith, believing that in the end, God will have accomplished the best thing for us.

Test of Faith

In David Jeremiah’s wonderful book, A Bend in the Road, he makes a significant point: “For every pilgrim in this journey of life, the road will bend in a different direction. We can never know in advance which way it will turn, for the map doesn’t display that kind of detail for us.

We must meet the bend or the dip or the steep, uphill climb that has been set in the path for each of us. And we look to God for the grace to meet that defining moment.” This requires trust. Trusting God in the face of disappointment is the ultimate test of faith. Anyone can walk away when life gets tough. Anyone can be a Sunday-morning Christian, but very few know what it takes to survive out

50 // July 2015

on the battlefield.

Someone said that worry and confusion are tools God uses to strengthen our faith. But they are also God’s tools to drive us into His loving arms of trust. At time it may seem as if nothing is worse than not knowing what’s going on or what’s going to happen next. I am sure we all have moments when we wish we could hit “fast forward” to see how everything turns out in the end. Unfortunately (or maybe it’s fortunately), we can’t do that. We have to take things one step at a time, and sometimes in the fog we can’t even see the next step we are taking.

If you have been to the mountains, the coastal waters, or crossed the Tennessee River after a hard rain, you have seen fog. It is mysterious and can be soothing, almost like a gentle rain. But it can also be very dangerous and elusive and should be handled with extreme caution. The visibility is limited and anyone driving should take it slow to avoid an accident.

Our spiritual walk is no different. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (NKJV).

Taken from A Summer Story . . . of God’s Enduring Grace, Pathway Press, 2013.

LaQuita Propes has served as the state women’s discipleship director for Great Lakes Region, Northern Ohio, and South Carolina and was a member of the International Women’s Ministries Board of Directors for eight years. Presently, she is a member of the International Women’s Committee of the Church of God. She has been actively involved in various ministry roles for more than thirty-seven years alongside her husband, M. Thomas Propes, Secretary General for the Church of God. She is mom to one son, Matthew and his wife Jennifer, and Summer. You may contact her at: www.laquitapropes.com.

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Gò0dNews for Service

Spring Cleaning and Summer Clutter

by William Lamb

I

t appears that spring is out and summer is in. With the weather change, people often enjoy outside patio-and-pool living. I’ve also noticed that the long summer days provide more liberty to chip away at the mountain of lingering “to do” lists and make those upgrades with the newest and best furniture trends.

For many, these changes are framed as spring cleaning surges to avoid the summer clutter.

After my mom’s passing, while cleaning out her closet in final preparation to sell her home, I found three mason-type jars with apparent treasures in them. The first jar was full of buttons—all shapes and types. The second jar was packed full of old milk jug Snap-On lids. The third jar was airtight with small square pieces of cardboard cut from the tops of a variety of food boxes. To her, it was treasure; to me, it seemed like clutter.

By now, you might be wondering where I am headed with this article after citing examples of weather changes, hidden treasures, and furniture upgrades. Keep reading. As humans, we are often trained to hold on to things that are important to us, and by habit, most of our possessions qualify as important. In contrast, there are some among us who are genuinely in need. They lack the luxury of choice and often only wish for what they may never have. Our clutter might be their treasure.

On April 27, 2011, residents of Cleveland and Bradley County experienced devastation by a strand of tornadoes that leveled the playing field for thousands of residents. I know firsthand the challenges of recovering after the storm. During the tornado recovery period,

52 // July 2015

I watched a young man named Daniel Murch own the mantel of service and leadership. Daniel spent most of his days rallying troops and volunteering everywhere he could—not out of a personal tragedy but out of calling. A year later when the 2012 storms came through, Daniel stepped up again to answer the call to serve. Now, four years later, Daniel is still at his post of networking and meeting the needs of others. A Lee University graduate and all-around good guy, Daniel Murch made a commitment to help and acted on that commitment when he launched Transition Furniture, a social media-based not-for-profit organization.

According to Murch, “We post needs on social networks and invite people to respond. Sometimes within a few minutes, needs are met and others within a few days.

Since the launch of Transition Furniture, we have served more than seventy-five families and provided community residents with over 450 pieces of free furniture and appliances.”

Murch is always casting vision and bringing others along on the journey.

As we enjoy our luxury of choice, let’s be mindful of those in need and utilize our spring-cleaning efforts and avoid summer clutter by donating quality items to Transition Furniture.

Daniel can be reached at 423-641-0808 or email transitionfurniture@gmail.com.

Dr. William Lamb is a member of the administrative staff at Lee University (Cleveland, Tennessee) where he leads a diverse and global “service-learning” program for college students. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. William and his wife Angela, along with their children Tyler and Megan, Nick, and Ben, reside in Cleveland, TN.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

God Turned Ashes to Beauty

by Kaneeshia Young

H

ave you ever been in a place where you felt like God put your life on hold? Did you ever feel like God left you out of His divine

and I could take back my identity in Christ!

To the reader, it may seem as if you will not come out of the pit you’re in, but God can turn your

purpose and every way you turned seemed to be a

ashes to beauty for His glory as He did for me! In my

dead end? You pray, read the Bible, listen to countless

darkest time, I experienced God’s power and love

sermons, and attend more church services than you

like never before (see 2 Cor. 12:9). God will turn your

can count only to find you’re still feeling stagnate?

darkest days into your brightest days! Everything

That was me for a long time! Jeremiah 29:11

we face has already been nailed to the cross, and we

became my favorite scripture through times of

are victorious because we overcome by His precious

despair, doubt, and disappointments when I felt that

blood!

God was using everyone else but me! In December

I didn’t think I would come out of it, but I had

2014 after completing my first semester at Lee

to pray and praise my way to victory! You may feel

University, the Enemy begin to attack my mind with

like you’ve been left in the trenches of life, but I am

thoughts that I was worthless and that God would

a witness that God is a deliverer! The Word of God

never use me, so I should give up!

tells us we will be tried, but we shall come forth

I quoted Psalms 40:1-3 every time the Enemy

as pure gold! (see Job 23:10). You must realize that

tried to make me feel bad about where I was in

you’re never too low that God can’t reach down and

life and who I was as an individual. It became an

pick you up out of the dirt, rubble, and ashes that life

everyday torment of negative thoughts. I felt as if

has thrown you! Arise daughter; arise son! You’ve

my zeal for life was snatched from me, and I hated to

already overcome by the blood of Jesus! You’re a

see the next day because I was so low. Thoughts of

victor, you’re valuable, and you have purpose in this

suicide and hopelessness turned to a dark distorted

life for God’s glory! You will win because God always

view of my life. I meditated on Isaiah 43:2, which

leads us in triumph in Christ! (see 2 Cor. 2:14).

reminded me that the “Great I Am” lives inside me

54 // July 2015

Kaneeshia Young was born and raised in Cleveland, TN and is a junior psychology and youth ministry major studying at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. She is a member of Church of God Sanctified where she works with the youth ministry.

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